PROMOTIONS (ButlerSports.com/promotions)Friday vs. Elon - Beyond the Net Math - Before the game area students are invited to come and learn about the role math plays in sports. For more information about bringing your students to this event contact Jessica Wolfe by clicking HERE.Autographs After The Match:Belle Obert and Brooke Ruffolo

Having won two of its last three, the Butler volleyball team will welcome Elon, Austin Peay and Central Michigan to Hinkle Fieldhouse this weekend for the team's Butler Invitational. The Bulldogs host Elon and Austin Peay Friday, Sept. 9, with a banner unveiling and ring ceremony to celebrate the 2010 league championship scheduled for Friday evening's match.

Butler (2-6) enters after a quick 3-0 win over Chicago State in its home opener on Tuesday. Freshman Kelly Kyle had 15 kills and Butler held the Cougars to .019 hitting in the win. Freshmen Brooke Ruffolo added 16 digs.

The story of the young season so far has been injuries and a challenging early schedule. Butler played its first seven matches away from Indianapolis, facing Notre Dame, Portland, Texas A&M and Washington State. Also, Butler had to enter the season without sophomore Claire Randich, who played for the first time this season in Tuesday's win over Chicago State.

Senior Maureen Bamiro, an AVCA All-Midwest Region player last year, has been the team's leader. Bamiro leads Butler in kills and points per set. She was named all-tournament at the Portland Classic last weekend. Along with Ruffolo at libero, Butler started three other freshmen Tuesday in Kelly Kyle, Stephanie Kranda and Belle Obert. Kyle is currently second on the team in kills per set (2.65) and service aces (9).

After last year's championship, Butler was picked third in this season's Horizon League preseason poll. Last year's regular season champ, Milwaukee, was tabbed as the favorite. Milwaukee was followed by Cleveland State, Butler and Valparaiso.

ALL-TOURNEY DAWGS: After the season's first two weekends, a pair of Bulldogs has earned all-tourney honors. Maggie Harbison was tabbed all-tournament at Notre Dame after hitting .321 and averaging 1.21 blocks per set. Maureen Bamiro was on the all-tourney team at Portland after averaging 1.14 blocks and 2.43 kills per set.

RING IN 2011: Butler will receive 2010 conference championship rings and unveil a title banner before Friday night's match vs. Austin Peay. Butler won the league tourney in 2010 and advanced to NCAA play for the first time since 1997. BU defeated Cleveland State and Valpo en route to last year's title. Last season was Butler's second volleyball NCAA appearance in school history.

TOP COMPETITION: Butler has once again fashioned a very challenging non-conference schedule. BU has faced Notre Dame, Portland, Texas A&M and Washington State. Those teams have a combined record of 18-10.

BU HITS ON 21: Butler has won 21 matches in each of the last two seasons. That's the most in a 2-year span since 1996-97 (54 wins). BU went 21-14 in 2009 and 21-10 last year.

GIVING 'MO' THIS YEAR: Maureen Bamiro, an All-Horizon League and All-Midwest Region last year, ranked in the Horizon League's top 10 in three different categories last season. She was second in blocks (1.11) fifth in hitting (.289) and eighth in points (3.40).

AVCA HONORS: Jessica Wolfe, who has joined the coaching staff as a student assistant, finished her time at BU by capturing all-region and All-American status from the AVCA for the second straight year. Wolfe became only the second Bulldog player to become honorable mention All-American twice (Areal Bienemy, 2003-04). Maureen Bamiro was also selected all-region by the coaches association.

LONE SENIOR DAWG: Even with four returning starters from 2010, Butler is still a young team. Maureen Bamiro is Butler's lone senior this year. No Horizon League team lists fewer than two fourth-year players on its roster.

KYLE MAKES AN IMPACT: Freshman Kelly Kyle has made an impact as a freshman. The 6-1 Kyle has three double-doubles and five outings with double-digit kills on the year. She has led Butler in kills in each of the last two matches (12 vs. Washington St. and 15 vs. Chicago St.).

DAPRILE DIGS THE HL RECORD: Katie Daprile finished her career as the Horizon League's all-time leader for career digs with 2,009. She broke the HL career record of UWM's Lauren Felsing last year on Nov. 13. She's the only player in league history with 2,000 career digs.

FRESHMAN LIBERO: Freshman Brooke Ruffolo has been one of the players called on to replace the record-setting Katie Daprile. Ruffolo has been the starting libero in each of the last four matches. She had 16 digs Tuesday night vs. Chicago State.

BU ALL-TIME vs. THIS WEEK: Butler is a combined 5-5 all-time against this weekend's three opponents. BU has a 4-1 record against Austin Peay and a 1-4 mark against Central Michigan. Friday will be the first volleyball meeting between ever between Elon and Butler.

LEAGUE HONORS: Jessica Wolfe, Maureen Bamiro and Katie Daprile each captured All-Horizon League honors in 2010. It marked Wolfe's fourth postseason award from the league. She was all-newcomer in 2007 and an all-league pick 2008-10. Maggie Harbison and Claire Randich were named to the league's all-newcomer team.